Product Description

**Eromycin (Erythromycin) Summary**

**Indications**

* **Upper & Lower Respiratory Tract Infections:** Tonsillitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis, sinusitis, tracheitis, acute and chronic bronchitis, secondary bacterial infections in colds/influenza.

* **Ear & Eye Infections:** Otitis media, otitis externa, mastoiditis, blepharitis, trachoma.

* **Skin & Soft Tissue Infections:** Boils, carbuncles, impetigo, abscesses, pustular acne, paronychia, cellulitis, erysipelas.

* **GI Infections:** Cholecystitis, staphylococcal enterocolitis.

* **Other Infections & Prophylaxis:** Osteomyelitis, diphtheria, scarlet fever, pertussis (whooping cough); surgical, trauma, burn, and rheumatic fever prophylaxis.

**Mechanism & Pharmacology**

* **Class:** Macrolide antibiotic.

* **Action:** Binds specifically to the **50S ribosomal subunit** of susceptible microorganisms, inhibiting translocation during protein synthesis. Exerts bacteriostatic or bactericidal activity depending on the drug concentration and target pathogen.

* **Spectrum:** Active against Gram-positive cocci/bacilli, select Gram-negative organisms (*Neisseria*, *H. influenzae*, *Bordetella pertussis*), and atypical pathogens (*Mycoplasma pneumoniae*, *Chlamydia trachomatis*, *Legionella pneumophila*).

* **Pharmacokinetics:** Acid-labile base given as a stable ester; absorption is reduced by food. Peak serum levels occur in 1–4 hours with a half-life of 1.2–4 hours (extended up to 5 hours in oliguria). Protein binding is ~73%. Widely distributed in tissues, crosses the placenta, and enters breast milk and inflamed CSF. Metabolized mainly in the liver and eliminated primarily via bile (5–15% excreted unchanged in urine).

**Dosage & Administration**

* **Adults & Children >8 years:** 250–500 mg every 6 hours (up to 4 g/day or more in severe infections).

* **Elderly:** Standard adult dosing applies; may be administered 8-hourly or 12-hourly using equivalent daily requirements.

* **Children 2–8 years:** 250 mg every 6 hours, or 30–50 mg/kg/day divided into 4 equal doses.

* **Infants & Children <2 years:** 500 mg daily in divided doses, or 30–50 mg/kg/day in divided doses.

**Drug Interactions**

* **Theophylline:** May increase serum theophylline levels and provoke toxicity; reduced theophylline dosing may be required.

**Contraindications**

* Known hypersensitivity to Erythromycin or other macrolide antibiotics.

**Side Effects & Safety Precautions**

* **Common Side Effects:** Abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

* **Rare Reactions:** Anaphylaxis or allergic skin reactions.

* **Precautions:** Exercise caution in patients with hepatic impairment (principally eliminated in bile).

* **Pregnancy & Lactation:** Crosses the placenta and passes into breast milk; use with caution in pregnant or breastfeeding women when clearly indicated.

**Overdose Management**

* Discontinue medication, promote rapid elimination of unabsorbed drug, and provide supportive care. Not significantly removed by hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis.

**Reconstitution & Storage**

* **Oral Suspension Reconstitution:** Loosen powder, add boiled and cooled water in two portions (up to 60 ml or 100 ml total), and shake well.

* **Suspension Storage:** Store reconstituted suspension in a cool place (preferably refrigerated) and discard unused portion after 7 days.

* **Dry Powder/Tablets:** Store below 25°C, protected from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.